Can you think of an etiology to continued serous drainage 2 weeks post PICC insertion? There are no signs of infection, blood cx negative, PICC functioning perfectly. No DVT, no signs of phlebitis. Pt is not on blood thinning medications. However every day, the biopatch is saturated with serous fluid. Any help trouble shooting this would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, a lymph node was injured near the puncture site and is drainimg lymph fluid. Or the catheter is damaged with a hole leaking out fluid being infused. Can you test the glucose level in this fluid? Lymph fluid will be a high number although I have never seen a reference range. If you are infusing dextrose the glucose would also be high.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I don't think the catheter is damaged since he is on a continuous 24 hour home IV pump - there would be a lot more drainage if that was the case I would think. The lymph node issue is interesting and I will see what I can do to rule that in or out. PICC line went in easily with a very short turniquet time and this is a young healthy person. If it is a lymph node, is there anything that could be helpful to slow the drainage? Thank you for your expertise.
If a lymph node was damaged, there is no way to stop the drainge except to remove the catheter.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
We have similar problem. The patient still need about two weeks of infusion. Question is, do we have to remove and change the PICC or can we continue to use the PICC after all potential problem had been rule out and change the dressing daily?
Thank you
I have seen this in patients that have generalized edema or 3rd spacing of fluid. The fluid simply finds the path of least resistance, the exit site. I do also agree with Lynn regarding possible lymph node damage.
Bill LeMay, RN, VA-BC